During the British expeditionto Benin City (Edo) in 1897 objects made of brass, bronze, ivory, coral, and wood were looted by British soldiers from the royal palace, its storerooms, and compounds. Some of these objects were sold or exchanged in West Africa. However, many were brought to the UK where they were retained by soldiers of the expeditionand subsequently inherited by thier families; put up for auction; or donated, lent, or sold to museums. See Collection File: Af1897,-.498-563.
Staff of office (partial); lost-wax cast in brass. Long narrow blade riveted onto long handle. Pair of back-to-back figures at top and bottom of handle. Shaft between them has five pierced and opposing sections. Blade decorated front and back with incised patterns, including guilloche designs and stippling. Lower figures wear coral bead collars and headdresses. Hold staff in form of 'bird of disaster' and striker. Upper figures wear beaded collars and the distinctive helmet associated with the Iyase. Holds a ?sword and eben sword.
Such staffs, called 'assan errie', are carried by representatives of the Oba while on official business. The figures on the staff represent chiefs paying homage to the Oba.